Rare frog re-emerges from hibernation

The springs frog, which has come out of hibernation in the APY Lands, is distinguishable by the mottled pattern on its underside.

Harald Ehmann: DEWNR

There is hope that heavy rain earlier in the year has given a boost to a rare frog species in the APY Lands of outback South Australia.

Two varieties of springs frogs, distinguishable by a black and white marbled pattern on their underside, have been found in small numbers at remote sites in central Australia.

Harald Ehmann from the area's natural resources board says rain in March brought the frogs out after possibly years of hibernation.

Mr Ehmann says while exact numbers are unknown, the population would have taken a hit from a few dry years.

He hopes the re-emergence of the hibernating frogs is the start of an improving population.

"Frogs are one of those animals that we can really only in this part of the world, we can only really get an idea of their numbers, how they're doing, what their population structures are like, whether there are any young ones coming through, all that stuff - we can only do that during or immediately following rain," he said.

He says the frogs take refuge deep underground during extended dry periods.

"When the rains fall and the gullies that they live in that also have springs in them are rehydrated if you like and there's lots of water about and there's no risk for the frogs because everything is so wet and lush - that's when they come out," he said.